Puerto Rico Crushes Colombia in the 2026 World Baseball Classic
SAN JUAN – The Puerto Rico team demonstrated its power on the diamond by defeating Colombia with a score of 5-0 in its debut at the 2026 World Baseball Classic, held at the Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan.
The Puerto Rican team, after a discreet start, unleashed its offense in the fifth inning, at which point the home crowd ignited with an implacable attack.
After keeping the Colombian offense at bay for the first four innings, Puerto Rico roared with five hits and five runs that made the difference.
The comeback began with unstoppable hits by Carlos Cortés and Darell Hernaiz. An error by the Colombian third baseman, Gio Urshela, facilitated the first run. Eddie Rosario continued the offense with a single that drove in runs.
The offensive continued with a single by Martín Maldonado and a double by Willi Castro. Heliot Ramos closed the inning with a sacrifice fly.
In the mound, opener Seth Lugo led the Puerto Rican pitching work, throwing four scoreless innings. The Puerto Rican defense limited Colombia to only six hits, all singles. Harold Ramírez, Colombian outfielder, stood out by hitting three of those hits.
Colombia threatened in the eighth inning by loading the bases with two outs, but manager Yadier Molina called on reliever Fernando Cruz, who secured the victory.
The stellar closer Edwin Díaz was called in the ninth inning. Despite allowing a single, he struck out the next three batters to secure the victory.
Colombia’s next challenge will be against Canada, while Puerto Rico will face Panama in their second group match.
